
What Makes the Dumbbell Crawl Work?
Believe it or not there is one key to this exercise that makes it so effective. As far as core exercises go this one is different in one major way. It actually produces a great deal of Uneven tension in your core muscles as you take each step forward or backward.
One easy way to understand this is to think of it like this; by alternating your movements by lifting the one hand with a dumbbell and the opposite foot while keeping the others planted you are changing your support structure.
The planted foot and hand are providing the sole means of support. This equates to going from a four point support system to being a two point system. Every bit of the tension being created is being sent diagonally across your core. While this sort of crawl may not seem like much on its own the addition of weight can truly add a whole new dimension to this workout. You will soon find your muscles singing out to the beat of a tougher drummer.
The position you are using to support your bodyweight is known as a pike position. This sort of position is perfect for creating an isometric workout for your abdominal muscles. Isometrics involve getting a workout simply by stabilizing or bracing your body position. No movement is needed for isometrics to provide an extra facet to your Dumbbell Crawl workout.
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There is one great aspect to doing this exercise that you may not even realize is there. You will be able to notice a great increase in your functional strength! Many exercises seem to have you doing things to improve balance, maybe increase your coordination and even give you a toned look. The bad thing is though that they tend to fall short on increasing your actual body strength.
When you run, walk, jump or go through any of a number of natural movements your body goes through a cycle of diagonal tension transference. This is where the Dumbbell Crawl comes in as being so effective. It easily mimics this sort of force transference thereby building the muscle groups involved. This means that you will develop the ability to perform much more proficiently.
It is this targeting of the core that will equate to a sudden and highly noticeable improvement in the way you perform.
Also, the backwards movement is a great deal more challenging! You may have an issue at first with your coordination. It will not take long to get it down pat however. It will truly work you more than any exercise you have done to date.
If you are looking to increase the intensity of the workout all you have to do is to slowly increase the amount of weight you are using. If the Dumbbell Crawl begins to seem much easier, then just add a bit more weight.
You should give the Dumbbell Crawl a shot if you actually want to increase your core strength. It may look weird and seem counter-productive, but the truth is that it is a super exercise. It is a great way to really get a chiseled look to your abs AND increase your core power!
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2 Comments Received
June 23rd, 2009 @7:32 pm
Maybe you should have said the beat of a sadistic drummer. This dumbbell crawl is definitely killer! You can’t argue with the results though. Thanks for such a great article!
June 26th, 2009 @7:39 am
Does the term Owie mean anything? Lol, this is one tough but effective exercise. Thanks for throwing it out here for us!
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